Deal Is Easy Part for Microsoft and Nokia

Microsoft Corp. struck a $7 billion bargain with Nokia Corp. to bolster a mobile future for the software giant. But the odds are long that a deal can reverse the fortunes of two laggards in a cutthroat market.

Microsoft is wagering a purchase of Nokia's phone business will help the companies crack a problem they couldn't as partners: attain the dominant smartphone positions of Apple Inc. and Google Inc.